Brookhall Historical Farm, Lisburn, Co. Antrim

We have a soft spot for Brookhall Historical Farm - we've visited the farm four times in the last 2-3 years!

Brookhall is a charming little place, just outside Lisburn. It's a working farm, but also has a petting zoo area, and inside some of the animals roam about the yard. When you enter the farm, you're most likely to be greeted by George and Mildred, the two lively geese that patrol the courtyard. The last time we visited, we were lucky to have been greeted by a little goat called Bertie, who frolicked with the children as we took in the sun!

Around Brookhall Historical Farm

There's lots to see and do around Brookhall. As you enter the farm, the Lavender Blue Garden Center is on the right, as is the little country kitchen where the owner, Pauline Johnston cooks fresh food for the visitors.

As you enter the farmyard you'll see Brookhall's farm museum, which contains examples of farming equipment from the early- and mid-20th century. You'll also see a disturbing display of stuffed animals: a fox holding a pheasant in its mouth and a rather viscious-looking badger.
Beyond the farmhouse is a sumptuous lawn with a gorgeous fountain in the centerpiece, an ideal spot for a picnic if you've packed a lunch. Off to the side of this are some animal enclosures, so kids can watch the animals while you relax for a while!

You'll see a good array of animals at Brookhall: the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (which recently had lots of piglets), goats, sheep, geese, cows, donkeys and a miniature Shetland pony. There are some hens, and a boisterous rooster that heckles the visitors!

Past the picnic area, you can walk through the walled garden down to the lakeside, where you'll see the larger animals (horses, cows, etc) and you can take a leisurely stroll around the lake.

Brookhall Church

Brookhall Church is a restored building which sits atop a small mound. It is believed that there was a church on or near this spot dating back to the 13th Century:

In 1210 the church was mentioned in what are purported to be taxation documents of pope Nicholas, which report that the site was granted to the local bishop by a chieftain called Engusa MacMailraba.

Events

An annual craft fair is usually held in Brookhall in May, and it features goods from local traders. We spent some time browsing the stalls in the barn a couple of years ago, as the pigeons flew about overhead and cooed down from the rafters!

We've recently learned that the Brookhall Church is now licensed for weddings.

Visiting Brookhall

The farm is open to the public between Easter and October each year - check their website for opening times, prices and how to get there!